Faith: the currency of the born-again Christian

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). From the time I attended Vacation Bible School as a little boy in his early teens, the subject of faith has stuck to me like my very own skin. It was such a sweet and exciting topic; I don’t remember why. So it was with a shock that I recently realized that I was no longer operating in the realm of faith but in the realm of reality and if anything, reality are the things we see. Clearly the opposite of faith!

What brought about this realization? When I recently took my car to the service center and in the space of two days, I had been hit with a heavy bill. If you know me, you'll know that one thing I don't play with is my car. Minus the fact that I like things prim and proper, the car is a gift from God and I see it as my responsibility to maintain it the best way I can as a way of honoring God (in preparation for when he gives me a Ferrari 😃). Anyways, when you consider the dishonest behavior of Nigerian mechanics, you'd understand why I'd rather take the car to the dealership for servicing. Affordable servicing is important but peace of mind after the servicing is importanter! I remember when I saw the bill, it felt like someone was cutting onions beside me; I mean, where was I to get this money in such a short time and in the middle of some serious expenses. On my way home I kept thinking about it and reviewing other areas of my life. True to the way God operates, He was waiting for me at the bus stop. My bus stop was Daystar TV on DSTV and the bus was a message by T.D. Jakes titled 'It's about the faith stupid'. 

When I listened to the message, I came to realize that when we face trials and tribulations, it is usually a battle for our faith. The devil brings these things to us in order to discourage us, cause us to lose our hope and in losing hope, lose our faith. Why does he try so hard to cause us to lose our faith? Because without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). As Christians, faith is the currency by which we operate and the devil brings trials and tribulations to gradually erode your faith. Losing your faith doesn't just happen suddenly, it happens over a period of time but like the bible says, "we are not ignorant of his devices" (II Cor. 2:11). Things will always happen in life that will discourage us and cause us to lose our faith but it is important for you and I to be ever watchful. To never lose our hope. To ensure we never get to the point that reality becomes more important than faith, the currency of the born-again Christian.

The charge is very simple, look through all the areas of your life, find the areas that you have allowed reality to replace faith, ask God to forgive you for your faithlessness and begin to hope and have faith again. Start believing again and trust God. Gradually your faith will grow once again. This is exactly what I have done. Don't worry, you don't need great faith, Jesus said if you have faith as small as a mustard seed.... read Matt. 17:20.

P.S Listen to Hallelujah Here Below and Here Again by Elevation Worship

Photocredit: Youversion Bible App

Capacity Building

In today's world one of the most important things in any area of life is capacity building. According to Wikipedia (the greatest encyclopedia ever), it is the process by which individuals and organizations obtain, improve, and retain the skills, knowledge, tools, equipment and other resources needed to do their jobs competently or to a greater capacity. Without this ability, one stands the risk of stagnating and with change being the only constant, stagnation gradually sets in and eventually obsolescence. If this was mathematics, the formula would be something like this:
K + X= Y
K representing the change
X representing stagnation
Y representing obsolescence 

This principle or formula also applies to us as born-again Christians. In II Tim. 2:15, the bible asks us to study to show ourselves approved unto God. It is when we have the ability that the increase comes and in order to have the ability, you must first have the capacity. The bible is littered with great men and women who understood the principle of capacity building. David was one of such great examples; Joseph is also another great example. It was not for nothing that David fought the lion and the bear (I Sam. 17:34-36). All these experiences were necessary ahead of when he was to face Goliath. In all honesty, did he know a time would come in his life when he would have to face a giant? No. But despite not knowing, anytime his father's flock was attacked, he went after it. 

There are times in life when we do not know when the next door will open, or when the next opportunity will come and knock once but it is important to be ready. Why? Read Ex. 23:20-31. God spends quite some time detailing to the children of Israel all the great things He would do for them and then suddenly, it's like God had a eureka moment in vs. 29. Out of nowhere, it changed from I will do this and that for you to I will do it but it won't be immediately. Why? Because He knew they didn't have the capacity and if He gave them all those things now, they would crumble under the weight and lose it. Do not be the reason why your blessings have not arrived or why it seems like your prayers aren't been answered.

As you pray and fast for a miracle, regardless of the area of your life, build your capacity. Invest in yourself. Train yourself. I can assure you that if David didn't follow the principle of capacity building and invest in his ability, God would not have chosen him to go up against Goliath. I mean, what are the odds of a shepherd boy been the only one in the midst of seasoned warriors with the courage to face a giant. The charge is simple, build your capacity. How? There are different ways and it doesn't have to be career-oriented, it could be in any area of your life; search for what works for you, apply it and study to show yourself approved.

Photo credit: Capacity Building